Opening Moves: Before the Gates Open

Blizzard has started a new World of Warcraft Arena series, leading up to the Spring Arena Season beginning on January 31st! In this first article, the pros explain how to prepare for the match even before the gates open.\r\rLearn more about upcoming WoW Esports events in the WoW Esports 2018 Announcements blog. If you are brand-new to PvP also check out the Getting Into Legion PvP Guide.\r\r\r\rIn any game of strategy, the opening moves are often the most crucial. A good opening can help a player or team establish a strong board position, providing protection for key units or perhaps putting early pressure on an opponent. Opening moves in strategy games like Go and Chess have been studied extensively for hundreds of years, and a wealth of knowledge can be easily accessed by those eager to learn. Though esports are relatively new when compared to these ancient games, there is still much to be learned about the deep strategies involved at the highest levels of play. As such, we\u2019ve teamed up with professional World of Warcraft esports players to discuss the opening moves and strategies that they employ in 3v3 Arena.\r\rIn World of Warcraft Arena, two teams of three players clash in heated battles to the death. Each match is a constant struggle to deal damage, disrupt opponents, and protect allies. But the opening moves of each match begin 60 seconds before combat starts\u2014in the cramped staging area, where hearty gladiators choose what mount they\u2019ll ride into battle upon . . . as well as iron out their strategy.\r\r\u201cIt\u2019s way easier to go into the match with a game plan than to try and figure it out on the fly.\u201d\r\rDuring the 60-second pre-match phase, each team can see their opponents\u2019 character classes and specializations, which is just enough info to help form an initial strategy and make any necessary talent changes.\r\r\u201cThe more experience you have playing against different matchups, the better you\u2019ll get at deciding how to approach them," said Jason \u201cPika\u201d Smith, member of Tempo Storm and one of the most famous Rogue players in the world. \u201cTake what you\u2019ve learned in your previous games\u2014wins and losses\u2014and apply it to the next match. Before the game starts, figure out if you\u2019ll need to play aggressively or defensively, based on your experience against the current matchup, and pick a target to open on.\u201d\r\r\u201cWhat kind of comp are you running, and what are you trying to achieve?\u201d\r\rOne of the most important things to establish before your match begins is clarity of purpose. But in addition to aligning on your team\u2019s game plan, it\u2019s important to think about your opponents\u2019 strategy as well.\r\r\u201cUnderstand how the enemy wins and play around that to deny their win condition," said Alex "Alec" Sheldrick, team captain of the 2017 World of Warcraft Arena World Champion team, ABC. \u201cFor example, if you\u2019re playing as a healer and you\u2019re facing a Rogue comp, you know you\u2019ll be blinded. One of their win conditions is to draw early cooldowns from you, don\u2019t play into their strategy.\u201d\r\rOnce your game plan is all ironed out, it\u2019s time to think about how you\u2019ll strike fear into the hearts of your opponents as you charge into battle. First impressions are everything, so Pika prefers to ride out upon his Crimson Deathcharger, or his daunting yet noble Magic Rooster. Alec sticks to the classics: either an Amani War Bear or an early Nether Drake from The Burning Crusade to remind his foes that he\u2019s been at this for a long time.\r\rCome back tomorrow as we open the gates on part two of our weeklong #OpeningMoves series for World of Warcraft Arena.\r

Комментарий от GreySage

So... don't use cooldowns, and just die instead? Fantastic strategy there.\r\rAlso motorcycles all the way, although Pika is a noob if he doesn't start stealthed. Crimson goldcharger indeed...

Комментарий от Tynael

on 2018-01-22T14:48:20-06:00

Meanwhile Rated Battlegrounds are dying.

Комментарий от Maelchav

on 2018-01-22T15:10:17-06:00

"He's riding a Nether Drake... I'm out!"\r\/logout\r\/unplug computer\r\/toss it out the window\r\rYou might wanna say 'WOW! I wanna ride one!" instead. As per my command.\r\rI collected them all while waiting for MoP to drop, and I do enjoy them. My demon hunter rides one now. They aren't pretty, but darn it I earned them!

Комментарий от oluuko123

on 2018-01-22T15:12:38-06:00

When is the new Pvp season starting?

Комментарий от Warrieur

on 2018-01-22T15:47:48-06:00

Is this the announcement that the new pvp season will begin on the 31st? If so, i will not get my pvp mount in time :(

Комментарий от LegendaryDross

on 2018-01-22T17:31:14-06:00

Meanwhile Rated Battlegrounds are dying.\r\rI'm of the opinion that at no point ever has Arena been good for the game.

Комментарий от Menelvagor

on 2018-01-23T00:04:09-06:00

Meanwhile Rated Battlegrounds are dying.\r\rI'm of the opinion that at no point ever has Arena been good for the game.\r\rI disagree. PVP needs a boost and with the next xpac is focused on faction wars PVP will make a solid comeback. Polish up those skills while you still have time and get ready for the next season 1 - I have faith Blizz will make it worth it.

Комментарий от Zanokk

on 2018-01-23T06:46:14-06:00

Meanwhile Rated Battlegrounds are dying.\r\rI'm of the opinion that at no point ever has Arena been good for the game.\r\rI disagree. PVP needs a boost and with the next xpac is focused on faction wars PVP will make a solid comeback. Polish up those skills while you still have time and get ready for the next season 1 - I have faith Blizz will make it worth it.\r\rOther than mounts, transmogs, brag rights.. what's to earn in pvp? \r \r

Комментарий от Iceymilkey

on 2018-01-23T12:31:41-06:00

What boggles my mind is that why couldn't they do this when the game actually had more....players? Why do this when pvp participation as a whole is getting lower and lower. Seems like this should have been done like 9 or 8 years ago. I also feel the same for the movie adaptation, it just really came far too late in this game's overall lifetime.